one-dimensional

adjective

one-di·​men·​sion·​al
ˈwən-də-ˈmen(t)-sh(ə-)nəl
 How to pronounce one-dimensional (audio)
 also  -dī-
1
: having one dimension
A straight line is one-dimensional.
The one-dimensional sequence of amino acids is the primary structure.Douglas R. Hofstadter
2
: lacking depth or complexity : superficial
To the audience, the term "sitcom" connoted a lot of one-dimensional stories and characters.Bob Fisher
one-dimensionality noun
one-di​mension​ally adverb
a one-dimensionally portrayed character
The pixels were arranged one-dimensionally. [=in a straight line]

Examples of one-dimensional in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Courtesy of Stan For Baig, much of the characterisation on the show comes from real-world experiences, particularly their conversations with trans and non-binary friends — and their collective frustrations around one-dimensional characters. Alexandra Koster, refinery29.com, 23 Nov. 2023 The sound quality is strong and clear, although a bit one-dimensional, like most soundboard recordings. Jem Aswad, Variety, 20 Nov. 2023 Examples include a circle, which is one-dimensional, as well as the two-dimensional surface of an ordinary ball like a basketball. Leila Sloman, Quanta Magazine, 7 Nov. 2023 These characters, however, are only ornamental and one-dimensional, unlike their white counterparts. Essence, 31 Oct. 2023 Everyone Else Burns works because we’re introduced to these characters with a pilot dominated by very funny and very one-dimensional snark, but by the second and third episodes, all four main characters are becoming more open to the world around them and to each other. Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 26 Oct. 2023 But John’s one-dimensional personality is a theatrical shortcoming the playwright and the director leave unaddressed. Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2023 Each number wouldn’t need to get multiplied as many times as in the one-dimensional case, but there were more distinct numbers to multiply. Ben Brubaker, Quanta Magazine, 17 Oct. 2023 In order to successfully bypass the one-dimensional lighting of the booth and radiate through the dullness—a little extra time, effort and product is required on picture day. Twiggy Jalloh, Vogue, 15 Oct. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'one-dimensional.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1876, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of one-dimensional was in 1876

Dictionary Entries Near one-dimensional

Cite this Entry

“One-dimensional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/one-dimensional. Accessed 10 Dec. 2023.

Kids Definition

one-dimensional

adjective
1
: having one dimension
2

More from Merriam-Webster on one-dimensional

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